Starter-Kit Bayern-France

Starter-Kit Bayern-France

You get a one-off payment of up to 950 EUR: a flat 500 EUR plus a travel allowance of up to 450 EUR, based on the distance between your home university and your host university. This is start-up money, not a monthly grant. It covers the extra costs before your stay abroad, such as a flat-hunting trip, a rental deposit, phone and internet set-up, first furnishings or a language course. You always get it before your stay begins. It comes from BayFrance, the Bavarian-French university centre at TU Munich, which supports students moving between Bavaria and France.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a Bachelor's or Master's student. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers apply through a separate programme.
• Where you study now: You are enrolled at a university or Grande École in Bavaria or in France.
• Where you go: You move from Bavaria to France or from France to Bavaria. Stays in other German states or other countries are not funded.
• Type of stay: A study period of at least 4 months, or a research placement at a university or research institution of at least 1 month. Company internships are not funded.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. Only your enrolment at a Bavarian or French university counts.
• Field of study: All subjects are open.
• Timing: You apply in the semester before your stay. Once your stay has started, you can no longer apply.
• Grades and language: You have good grades and can show German or French language skills. You also need a recommendation from a professor or supervisor.

How to apply

You apply on the StipSys online platform. You upload your CV, a one-to-two-page motivation letter, your grades and language proof. You also request an online reference from a lecturer through the system. There are two deadlines each year: 15 April for a stay in the following winter semester, and 15 November for a stay in the following summer semester.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly: you must study at a Bavarian or French university and move between exactly these two regions, so the eligible group is small. If you clearly meet those conditions, have solid grades and a good professor's reference, and apply the semester before you leave, your prospects are good. Note that only one or two students from the same double-degree programme can be funded per round.